1. To convert an unfinished basement to habitable space, at least one emergencyescape and rescue window or exterior door must be included in all requiredsubmissions for permits. Additional means of egress may be needed in applicationsincluding sleeping rooms, as per requirements of the 2015 International ResidentialCode. Habitable space is defined as a space for living, sleeping,eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spacesare not considered habitable spaces.2. To paint existing block or concrete walls and install carpeting, no permit is required.3. When new walls or partitions are framed (including perimeter walls), a permit will berequired. The drawings to be submitted must include a typical wall section depictingframing, any vapor barrier, insulation, and final finishes. Any ceiling finishes mustalso be noted.4. The drawings must show all existing and proposed mechanical systems andclearances from the systems. A Mechanical Permit will be required for any changesto the HVAC system.

Any expansion or enlargement of an existing driveway does not require a buildingpermit from New Castle County, but the enlargement or expansion must comply with theUnified Development Code.The Unified Development Code Section 40.04.110 E 1 e states: “An uncovered patio atground level or an uncovered driveway (except for shared driveways) may project intoany yard, provided it is set back from any lot line a minimum of two (2) feet.”Any new driveway requires an entrance/exit permit from DelDOT.For entrance/exit permits above the C&D Canal, contact DelDOT North District at302-326-4679.For entrance/exit permits south of the C&D Canal, contact DelDOT Central District at302-760-2496

Residential ramps:The International Residential Code Section R311.8 deals with ramps in residentialstructures. Ramps are permitted to have a slope no greater than 1:8 (1 ½ inch per foot).Ramps must have a clear width of 36 inches. Handrails are required on at least oneside of all ramps exceeding a slope of 1:12 (1 inch per foot). A minimum 3 foot by 3 footlanding shall be provided at the top and bottom of all ramps, where doors open ontoramps, and where ramps change direction. A building permit is required for exteriorramps. For interior temporary ramps, no building permit is required.Non-residential ramps:All non-residential ramps require building permits. All non-residential ramps follow theInternational Building Code 2015 and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009.American with Disabilities Act:For more information about access for handicapped men and women, you may visit thewebsite for the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

A building permit is not required for:New floor coveringsCabinet re-facing or replacementPaint or drywall repairTile workCountertop or vanity replacementSink or disposal replacementAddition of a dishwasher to existing plumbing

A building permit is required for:Moving, replacing or constructing new walls or partitionsRelocating or installing new plumbing fixturesRelocating or creating new windows, doors, or steps of any kind

All electrical work should be explained to the State of Delaware (302-744-4504) tofind out if an electrical permit and inspection is required.

The New Castle County Code Section 06.03.012 C 1 g states that a building permit isnot required if the replacement of roof covering does not involve the repair orreplacement of more that twenty-five (25) percent of the sheathing.

The International Residential Code Section R907.3 states: “New roof coverings shall notbe installed without first removing existing roof coverings where any of the followingconditions occur: (1) Where the existing roof or roof covering is water-soaked or hasdeteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a basefor additional roofing. (2) Where the existing roof covering is wood shake, slate, clay,cement or asbestos-cement tile. (3) Where the existing roof has two or moreapplications of any type of roof covering.”

The Unified Development Code Section 40 04 110 E 1 b states “Chimneys, cornicesand eaves may project not more than two (2) feet into any required yard.”